Ranney collector

[1] A caisson is constructed of reinforced concrete and installed into sand or gravel below the surface level of an adjacent river or lake.

[1] Screened conduits (also referred to as laterals or lateral well screens) are extended horizontally from ports in the caisson about 60 meters (200 feet) into surrounding water-bearing alluvium.

[2] The radial arrangement of screens forms a large infiltration gallery with a single central withdrawal point.

[1] A single collector may produce as much as 25 million gallons per day.

[2][3] Texas petroleum engineer Leo Ranney drilled horizontally for oil in the early 1920s.